RAM Cellars Pop-Up featuring Vivianne Kennedy, Winemaker
RAM Cellars is a boutique winery based in SE Portland, producing small lots of low-intervention wines. Founded by winemaker Vivianne Kennedy, RAM Cellars reflects a hands-on, artisanal approach to natural winemaking—fermenting with native yeasts, avoiding fining or filtration, and minimizing sulfite use to craft wines that are rooted in their varietal identity.
Working with sustainably farmed fruit from vineyards across Oregon & Washington, RAM Cellars favors underrepresented varietals, such as Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Counoise, Gewürztraminer, and Tempranillo, alongside Pinot Noir and Riesling.
Vivianne launched RAM Cellars in 2014 after years of viticulture and enology studies through Washington State University and practical experience at wineries such as Davenlore, Montinore Estate, and Enso.
In 2018, Vivianne came out as a transgender woman and soon after created the VIV label—wines that not only express her personal rebirth and resilience but also serve as a platform for advocacy and support. Each bottle of VIV donates $3 to LGBTQ+ organizations.
The name RAM Cellars is a tribute to Vivianne’s late grandfather, whose initials—R.A.M.—remain a guiding force behind the winery’s values of legacy, love, and courage. As a proud member of the Portland Urban Winery Association, RAM Cellars embodies a spirit of independence and inclusivity, with wines that are vibrant, acid-forward, and thoughtfully made.
At New Deal, we’ve always believed in the power of craft, community, and collaboration. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate Oregon Wine Month by hosting a series of Oregon Winemaker Pop-Ups at the New Deal Bottle Shop in collaboration with Bottle Trip Wines. These events are our way of lifting a glass to the vibrant winemaking culture that has shaped—and continues to inspire—so much of what we do. Join us on Saturdays in May & June to sample Oregon wines, meet winemakers, purchase bottles and enjoy specialty cocktails featuring New Deal Craft spirits and Oregon wines. For more info on this series of pop-ups, please check out our Living Proof Blog!
